Where two or more persons have a legal interest in the whole property (usually land & buildings but can be anything) but a beneficial share in whatever proportion is their’s (usually 50%).
On the death of one joint owner, all other joint owners inherit, automatically despite what a Will might say, that share equally but if only one remaining owner then that person becomes the sole legal & beneficial owner (usually the surviving spouse).
Joint assets are still assessed for Inheritance Tax (IHT) even though they pass automatically to the surviving joint owners, without the operation of a Will or under Intestacy.
Proper valuations of such property, in writing, and how such assets came to be joint assets (particularly with bank accounts with non spouses - whose money was it mainly going into the account) will need to be undertaken by the Executors/Administrators for IHT purposes.
If you are in any doubt about what is required of you in administering a deceased estate, we have a list of preferred Professionals which we would suggest you consult... Read more »